So you want to go to graduate school? Well, so do I.
Research on Apply to Graduate School
Abstract
Attending graduate school has been a dream of mine ever since multiple teachers and faculty members told me I would not graduate high school due to a sever panic disorder. Yet I knew that because of my love for writing and communication I could never imagine not continuing my education. Now, a junior Writing Arts and Communication Studies major the only work I can think about completing is my personal statement, studying for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), buffing up my resume and keeping track of my grades to end with an exceptional grade point average: all necessary tasks for getting into the graduate program of ones choosing. Yet, as the deadline rapidly approaches I felt myself wondering what it really takes to get into graduate school. Several questions entered my mind such as, what is the application process and how difficult is it? What can I do to make myself stand out among the thousands of other qualified applicants? And how can I be that one person to receive an assistantship?
Due to already gathered research, I had some of these answers, but I wanted insight from professionals to expand my knowledge and resources. Inquiring about first hand experience seemed extremely valuable to prospective graduate students. Going straight the source, I decided to talk to a communication studies professor who has earned a masters and doctorate degree and now currently teaches the course that I am most interested in, new media. I believe that talking to a professional who has an information base currently in the subject of interest provides for the newest and most useful information. I used library resources and the Internet to create a significant list of questions that I believed would be useful for not only myself, but to help further the research of other prospective graduate students. Through the interview I conducted along with my research, the graduate school application process slowly unraveled in front of me, becoming a process I believed that many people could easily complete with motivation, desire, and the right information.
Due to already gathered research, I had some of these answers, but I wanted insight from professionals to expand my knowledge and resources. Inquiring about first hand experience seemed extremely valuable to prospective graduate students. Going straight the source, I decided to talk to a communication studies professor who has earned a masters and doctorate degree and now currently teaches the course that I am most interested in, new media. I believe that talking to a professional who has an information base currently in the subject of interest provides for the newest and most useful information. I used library resources and the Internet to create a significant list of questions that I believed would be useful for not only myself, but to help further the research of other prospective graduate students. Through the interview I conducted along with my research, the graduate school application process slowly unraveled in front of me, becoming a process I believed that many people could easily complete with motivation, desire, and the right information.
Introduction to the Interview Used
Maria Simone is a communications studies professor here are Rowan University. She obtained her Masters degree from University at North Texas where she studied Rhetoric and Performance Studies. There she was a teaching assistant and taught public speaking and media influences classes. Simone earned her PhD from Temple University where soon after she earned a teaching job at Stockton University, where she received her undergraduate degree. Besides teaching Simone’s passions include political communication and new media studies.
I personally chose Marie Simone because she is not only a professor of mine, but is also my academic advisor. She is a professor whose ideologies and knowledge I personally trust. Also, she teachers my favorite course and desired area of interest to study, participatory media.
I personally chose Marie Simone because she is not only a professor of mine, but is also my academic advisor. She is a professor whose ideologies and knowledge I personally trust. Also, she teachers my favorite course and desired area of interest to study, participatory media.
Research Paper - Graduate School: Necessary Steps for Prospective Students
When an opportunity to succeed is presented to individuals, those who want a chance to excel would most likely take advantage of the opportunity. This chance can be labeled or explained in different ways depending on the person. For some it may be finding a job where employees can earn 40k every year, taking time off from education or work to travel the world, and for others it could be starting a family. However in 2009, according to Predicting the likelihood of going to graduate school: the importance of locus of control by Cynthia Nordstrom and Dan Segrist, “Approximately 65% of college freshmen indicate an interest in pursuing some form of post-baccalaureate education,” myself included (Nordstrom 1). Yet, many of those freshman and other college students may feel that this process is not clearly defined or explained besides from the universities point of view. In this study interviews and research will be used to conclude the necessary steps an individual must take to complete a successful application process. Prospective graduate school students will learn how they can increase their chances of being accepted into the program or school of their choosing.
Applying to graduate school is a great deal of work and research and is not a decision that can be taken lightly. One of the first questions that pop into individual’s heads may be ‘can I go to graduate school,’ which can unravel many other questions, for instance:
1) Should I apply?
2) How do I apply?
3) What do I look for in terms of programs?
4) How will I pay for it?
Beginning to ask those questions shows motivation, which according to R. Eric Landrum, author of Intent to Apply to Graduate School: Perceptions of Senior Year Psychology Majors, “is a key indicator in whether someone is likely to enter a graduate program” (Landrum 245). Showing interest and exploring the option is always the best idea when the decision involves so many components. When thinking about applying to graduate school one must know what the admissions board is looking for in their students, “Graduate admissions committees (as indicated by applicants) continue to desire high grade point averages (GPAs), strong General Record Exam (GRE) scores, good letters of recommendation, and a personal desire to excel,” (Landrum 244). These are all mandatory and necessary components for the graduate school application process.
According to an interview conducted with Matthew Barber by Michael Bradley in a magazine article, Q&A with a Graduate: Considerations Before Going to Graduate School, Barber suggests, “A question to ask yourself is this; Why invest all those resources in something you're not 100 percent into?” (Bradley 43). The graduate school application process requires a significant amount of effort and actual graduate program will require much more. Requirements include taking the GRE’s, filling out the application, gathering letters of recommendation, as well as writing a personal statement. Understanding what one wants out of a graduate degree is the first key aspect to understanding why one should apply to graduate school. Even though sacrifices may need to be made such as, moving locations or giving up a job in order to follow through, many professionals believe it is extremely worth it, “Personally, I made great friends and had one of the best times of my life. Professionally, it showed me how little I knew about writing and the field in general. I also started learning the value of networking.” (Bradley 43)
Identifying faculty members who are trusting, have also completed this process and studied in a graduate program can all help individuals look at different degrees, programs, and schools that may be of interest. Since a graduate degree means another two to eight years of study depending on the program and degree type, it also means a lot of consideration, time and money. However, many current college professors are willing to help explain what is important for picking a program or school. Dr. Jilliandra Rovaris a psychologist from Tulane University states in the article Graduate School A Necessary Step for Your Future Success by Derek Rovaris, “Check to see who are the leading experts in your chosen field. Find out what schools they attended…if they have had positive experiences, that institution may be good,” (Rovaris 92) Taking to other individuals about programs they attended or are attending can be extremely beneficial to prospective students. Subsequent to sitting down with Maria Simone, a communication studies professor at Rowan University she shared, “Try to get as much information about the school as possible including if possible, visiting there and talking to the students…you might have in mind this is the school I want to go to then start talking to the students and realize no this isn’t for me,” Simone explained.
After compiling research of the many schools that offer programs of interest, one will realize that different schools have different application processes but the main components previously listed remain the same. “In high school you were told about them [personal statements], but it is super important in graduate school determining fit, you may have a great GPA or great GRE scores but if what you want to do doesn’t fit what the faculty does, then that’s not the school for you. Framing that letter or essay is a very important process.” Prospective students should clearly look at what programs are offered and what requirements they believe are most important. Some colleges may weigh the GRE scores more then GPA or personal statements. Once this research is found one can figure out whether or not specific programs of interest may meld with their current knowledge and expectations from graduate classes and professors. Simone stated, “The GRE’s were not hard per say…the math portion is high school algebra all over again so if you have not seen [these types of questions] in awhile its not a bad idea to take a practice test or two.”
Finding a way to afford graduate school may seem like a problem. “Its expensive, very very expensive,” Simone explained This is another factor that plays a large roll in deciding whether graduate school is a viable option. Landrum states, “Students today face various challenges such as optimal technology use, the increasing need for education and re-training, and financial burdens (Landrum 245). Though graduate school may be a cumbersome economic load it is also necessary for certain career tracks such as higher paying jobs or becoming an educator. That is why many schools offer financial aid and other ways to have full or partial tuition paid for. “Apply for assistantships, find schools that have teaching assistants or research assistants and try to get one” Simone said. Jobs such as teaching or research assistants, resident advisors, or even working as a graduate intern in a Greek affairs office may provide not only partial pay but a small stipend as well to cover books or living expenses. However, these job opportunities must be applied to separately from the actual graduate program, which means another process one needs to consider. However, being given the option to have some tuition paid for is an extremely valuable experience.
It is true that there are cons to graduate school, especially coming right out of earning an undergraduate degree. One of the biggest mistakes people make is not looking at all their options. Barber shares, “Ask yourself "Why are you going to graduate school?" If your answer is "I don't know what else to do," then I recommend entertaining other possibilities,” (Bradley 43). Since it is so expensive there is always the possibility one may leave a masters or PhD program with loans and extra money that is necessary to pay back the school, if a student believes that money is a priority in their life then choosing to go straight to the workforce may be a more accurate path. However the pros only seem to outweigh the cons. Having a higher degree in education also opens up job opportunities that provide for high salary options since an individual as more experience. Also, with a higher degree one can fully become an expert within their field. Dr. Jilliandra Rovaris a psychologist from Tulane University states, “Graduate school has opened many doors and meaningful opportunities,” (Rovaris 91). Having the chance to go through those doors can only lead to options not obtainable with just an undergraduate degree.
Subsequent to researching schools, programs, the application process, getting in touch with professors one will be able to feel truly capable of applying to graduate schools if that is the desired path. Research is the only way for students to open up their eyes towards this possibility. Just taking the time out to learn about graduate school as an option is a choice that can end up having a prospective student go down a path to a chance to learn so much more in an area of interest. Simone stated, “I was surprised by how valuable it was. I learned a lot more as a graduate student then I did as an undergraduate student.” If the opportunity is presented to an individual where they have the likelihood to learn more then they did in their undergraduate years, there is nothing to lose in learning more about that chance.
Applying to graduate school is a great deal of work and research and is not a decision that can be taken lightly. One of the first questions that pop into individual’s heads may be ‘can I go to graduate school,’ which can unravel many other questions, for instance:
1) Should I apply?
2) How do I apply?
3) What do I look for in terms of programs?
4) How will I pay for it?
Beginning to ask those questions shows motivation, which according to R. Eric Landrum, author of Intent to Apply to Graduate School: Perceptions of Senior Year Psychology Majors, “is a key indicator in whether someone is likely to enter a graduate program” (Landrum 245). Showing interest and exploring the option is always the best idea when the decision involves so many components. When thinking about applying to graduate school one must know what the admissions board is looking for in their students, “Graduate admissions committees (as indicated by applicants) continue to desire high grade point averages (GPAs), strong General Record Exam (GRE) scores, good letters of recommendation, and a personal desire to excel,” (Landrum 244). These are all mandatory and necessary components for the graduate school application process.
According to an interview conducted with Matthew Barber by Michael Bradley in a magazine article, Q&A with a Graduate: Considerations Before Going to Graduate School, Barber suggests, “A question to ask yourself is this; Why invest all those resources in something you're not 100 percent into?” (Bradley 43). The graduate school application process requires a significant amount of effort and actual graduate program will require much more. Requirements include taking the GRE’s, filling out the application, gathering letters of recommendation, as well as writing a personal statement. Understanding what one wants out of a graduate degree is the first key aspect to understanding why one should apply to graduate school. Even though sacrifices may need to be made such as, moving locations or giving up a job in order to follow through, many professionals believe it is extremely worth it, “Personally, I made great friends and had one of the best times of my life. Professionally, it showed me how little I knew about writing and the field in general. I also started learning the value of networking.” (Bradley 43)
Identifying faculty members who are trusting, have also completed this process and studied in a graduate program can all help individuals look at different degrees, programs, and schools that may be of interest. Since a graduate degree means another two to eight years of study depending on the program and degree type, it also means a lot of consideration, time and money. However, many current college professors are willing to help explain what is important for picking a program or school. Dr. Jilliandra Rovaris a psychologist from Tulane University states in the article Graduate School A Necessary Step for Your Future Success by Derek Rovaris, “Check to see who are the leading experts in your chosen field. Find out what schools they attended…if they have had positive experiences, that institution may be good,” (Rovaris 92) Taking to other individuals about programs they attended or are attending can be extremely beneficial to prospective students. Subsequent to sitting down with Maria Simone, a communication studies professor at Rowan University she shared, “Try to get as much information about the school as possible including if possible, visiting there and talking to the students…you might have in mind this is the school I want to go to then start talking to the students and realize no this isn’t for me,” Simone explained.
After compiling research of the many schools that offer programs of interest, one will realize that different schools have different application processes but the main components previously listed remain the same. “In high school you were told about them [personal statements], but it is super important in graduate school determining fit, you may have a great GPA or great GRE scores but if what you want to do doesn’t fit what the faculty does, then that’s not the school for you. Framing that letter or essay is a very important process.” Prospective students should clearly look at what programs are offered and what requirements they believe are most important. Some colleges may weigh the GRE scores more then GPA or personal statements. Once this research is found one can figure out whether or not specific programs of interest may meld with their current knowledge and expectations from graduate classes and professors. Simone stated, “The GRE’s were not hard per say…the math portion is high school algebra all over again so if you have not seen [these types of questions] in awhile its not a bad idea to take a practice test or two.”
Finding a way to afford graduate school may seem like a problem. “Its expensive, very very expensive,” Simone explained This is another factor that plays a large roll in deciding whether graduate school is a viable option. Landrum states, “Students today face various challenges such as optimal technology use, the increasing need for education and re-training, and financial burdens (Landrum 245). Though graduate school may be a cumbersome economic load it is also necessary for certain career tracks such as higher paying jobs or becoming an educator. That is why many schools offer financial aid and other ways to have full or partial tuition paid for. “Apply for assistantships, find schools that have teaching assistants or research assistants and try to get one” Simone said. Jobs such as teaching or research assistants, resident advisors, or even working as a graduate intern in a Greek affairs office may provide not only partial pay but a small stipend as well to cover books or living expenses. However, these job opportunities must be applied to separately from the actual graduate program, which means another process one needs to consider. However, being given the option to have some tuition paid for is an extremely valuable experience.
It is true that there are cons to graduate school, especially coming right out of earning an undergraduate degree. One of the biggest mistakes people make is not looking at all their options. Barber shares, “Ask yourself "Why are you going to graduate school?" If your answer is "I don't know what else to do," then I recommend entertaining other possibilities,” (Bradley 43). Since it is so expensive there is always the possibility one may leave a masters or PhD program with loans and extra money that is necessary to pay back the school, if a student believes that money is a priority in their life then choosing to go straight to the workforce may be a more accurate path. However the pros only seem to outweigh the cons. Having a higher degree in education also opens up job opportunities that provide for high salary options since an individual as more experience. Also, with a higher degree one can fully become an expert within their field. Dr. Jilliandra Rovaris a psychologist from Tulane University states, “Graduate school has opened many doors and meaningful opportunities,” (Rovaris 91). Having the chance to go through those doors can only lead to options not obtainable with just an undergraduate degree.
Subsequent to researching schools, programs, the application process, getting in touch with professors one will be able to feel truly capable of applying to graduate schools if that is the desired path. Research is the only way for students to open up their eyes towards this possibility. Just taking the time out to learn about graduate school as an option is a choice that can end up having a prospective student go down a path to a chance to learn so much more in an area of interest. Simone stated, “I was surprised by how valuable it was. I learned a lot more as a graduate student then I did as an undergraduate student.” If the opportunity is presented to an individual where they have the likelihood to learn more then they did in their undergraduate years, there is nothing to lose in learning more about that chance.
Annotated Bibliography
Bradley, Michael J. "Q&A with a Graduate: Considerations Before Going to Graduate School." Parks and Recreation Aug. 2011: 43-44. Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 Apr. 2012.
This source is an interview that Michael Bradley conducted with recent graduate student, Matthew Barber from Western Illinois University. The interview appears in Parks and Recreation magazine. The interviewer and interviewee discuss topics that any prospective graduate school student would be curious about and want to inquire supplementary information to previous research. Some of these topics include the hurdles encountered while applying and advice for students who are considering completing the application process. This was a significant source to my research because it provided me with an actual interview that I did not have to personally conduct. I was able to gather information for my research and information on what types of questions I should personally ask my own professional source. I believe the information is reliable since in the source the individuals’ schooling is clearly stated, however since it is a personal interview it is biased towards Matthew Barber’s personal experiences. For instance, Barber talks about personal finances, though graduate school is extremely expensive not everyone will have that issue. However, even though the research is biased it did not change any of my preliminary feelings on the subject. This article fits my research because it is an exact article of an interview explaining graduate school, what I wish to be able to do with my research.
Landrum, Eric R. "Intent to Apply to Graduate School: Perceptions of Senior Year Psychology Majors." North American Journal of Psychology 12.2 (2010): 243-54. Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 Mar. 2012.
My second source is the article Intent to Apply to Graduate School: Perceptions of Senior Year Psychology Majors by Eric Landrum. This article is about the insight of senior year psychology majors and how those students feel about graduating and moving on into a competitive graduate school program. Right off the bat before even reading much of the article I realized there was a bias straight from the title, psychology majors, but that did not mean it was not going to be useful information. Even though the text states, “Many psychology majors desire to continue their education after earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology,” this can also be applied to many others seeking more education after completing that degree (Landrum 243). Also, since the article is based around the subject on psychology it brings in many interesting psychological aspects such as a student’s “locus of control, or perception of personal power over situations,” (Landrum 244). Having a professional’s aspect of different graduate student’s mindsets during the application process is not only interesting, but provides very specific information that could be useful to know during the application process. This article directly fits into my research. It provides me with a clear understanding of others personal feelings and experiences as well as components of the application process. The only part of the research I did not directly use was the actual study, I felt as though this area contained a very technical aspect that did not fit into my studies.
Nordstrom, Cynthia R., and Dan J. Segrist. "Predicting the Likelihood of Going to Graduate School: The Importance of Locus Control." College Student Journal 43.1 (2009). Academic Search Premier. Web. 02 Apr. 2012.
This source, Predicting the Likelihood of Going to Graduate School: The Importance of Locus Control by Cynthia Nordstrom and Dan Segrist, provided me with a few statistics about prospective graduate students and what the chances are of the individuals who apply getting accepted into that program. There were no general biases besides the fact that it centered on psychology students. The statistics were very useful, clear, and straightforward. I found that this was useful to my research because many of my other other sources did not use statistics at all, just written facts or studies. The information was specific which directly fit into my research.
Rovaris, Dereck J. "Graduate School: A Necessary Step for Your Future Success." The Black Collegian Oct. 1999: 91-99. Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 Apr. 2012.
This article, Graduate School: A Necessary Step for Your Future Success by Dereck Rovaris was also a very useful piece of information since its bias, graduate school being a plus, is my same opinion. However, it also held another bias; it was centered on the African American community. That is why after reading the entire piece I used the quotes from the article that this source directly used since I found those most helpful. However, the topics that I wanted to explain and research about were broken down piece by piece in this article. For example, what does graduate school entail and how to do I apply, both questions that I wanted to be able to answer after the end of my research. Besides the biases I do believe this information is completely reliable. I was personally able to back up each statement this article made with one that I either found prior or after reading this research. I will use this research to explain to others what it has explained to me, for instance answering those questions listed above.
Simone, Maria. "Disscusion on Graduate School." Personal interview.
The personal interview I conducted with Communications Studies professor Maria Simone was the most useful and important towards my research. She provided me with personal stories, anecdotes, and advice from when she was applying to graduate school. I also got to view the body language she used while she spoke giving me the full experience of how she felt during the difficulties and positive experiences of applying. Main reason why I chose to conduct this interview was to expand my knowledge about the application process as well as what graduate school entails. I learned an exponential amount that I did not know from the prior research I gathered. Yet again, since this was a personal interview there going to be some biases about the process because it’s based on personal experiences. However I easily overlooked those aspects and just understood that learning about a subject, in my case graduate school, would help me learn so much more about the process and that that information could help my research and ultimately others.
This source is an interview that Michael Bradley conducted with recent graduate student, Matthew Barber from Western Illinois University. The interview appears in Parks and Recreation magazine. The interviewer and interviewee discuss topics that any prospective graduate school student would be curious about and want to inquire supplementary information to previous research. Some of these topics include the hurdles encountered while applying and advice for students who are considering completing the application process. This was a significant source to my research because it provided me with an actual interview that I did not have to personally conduct. I was able to gather information for my research and information on what types of questions I should personally ask my own professional source. I believe the information is reliable since in the source the individuals’ schooling is clearly stated, however since it is a personal interview it is biased towards Matthew Barber’s personal experiences. For instance, Barber talks about personal finances, though graduate school is extremely expensive not everyone will have that issue. However, even though the research is biased it did not change any of my preliminary feelings on the subject. This article fits my research because it is an exact article of an interview explaining graduate school, what I wish to be able to do with my research.
Landrum, Eric R. "Intent to Apply to Graduate School: Perceptions of Senior Year Psychology Majors." North American Journal of Psychology 12.2 (2010): 243-54. Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 Mar. 2012.
My second source is the article Intent to Apply to Graduate School: Perceptions of Senior Year Psychology Majors by Eric Landrum. This article is about the insight of senior year psychology majors and how those students feel about graduating and moving on into a competitive graduate school program. Right off the bat before even reading much of the article I realized there was a bias straight from the title, psychology majors, but that did not mean it was not going to be useful information. Even though the text states, “Many psychology majors desire to continue their education after earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology,” this can also be applied to many others seeking more education after completing that degree (Landrum 243). Also, since the article is based around the subject on psychology it brings in many interesting psychological aspects such as a student’s “locus of control, or perception of personal power over situations,” (Landrum 244). Having a professional’s aspect of different graduate student’s mindsets during the application process is not only interesting, but provides very specific information that could be useful to know during the application process. This article directly fits into my research. It provides me with a clear understanding of others personal feelings and experiences as well as components of the application process. The only part of the research I did not directly use was the actual study, I felt as though this area contained a very technical aspect that did not fit into my studies.
Nordstrom, Cynthia R., and Dan J. Segrist. "Predicting the Likelihood of Going to Graduate School: The Importance of Locus Control." College Student Journal 43.1 (2009). Academic Search Premier. Web. 02 Apr. 2012.
This source, Predicting the Likelihood of Going to Graduate School: The Importance of Locus Control by Cynthia Nordstrom and Dan Segrist, provided me with a few statistics about prospective graduate students and what the chances are of the individuals who apply getting accepted into that program. There were no general biases besides the fact that it centered on psychology students. The statistics were very useful, clear, and straightforward. I found that this was useful to my research because many of my other other sources did not use statistics at all, just written facts or studies. The information was specific which directly fit into my research.
Rovaris, Dereck J. "Graduate School: A Necessary Step for Your Future Success." The Black Collegian Oct. 1999: 91-99. Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 Apr. 2012.
This article, Graduate School: A Necessary Step for Your Future Success by Dereck Rovaris was also a very useful piece of information since its bias, graduate school being a plus, is my same opinion. However, it also held another bias; it was centered on the African American community. That is why after reading the entire piece I used the quotes from the article that this source directly used since I found those most helpful. However, the topics that I wanted to explain and research about were broken down piece by piece in this article. For example, what does graduate school entail and how to do I apply, both questions that I wanted to be able to answer after the end of my research. Besides the biases I do believe this information is completely reliable. I was personally able to back up each statement this article made with one that I either found prior or after reading this research. I will use this research to explain to others what it has explained to me, for instance answering those questions listed above.
Simone, Maria. "Disscusion on Graduate School." Personal interview.
The personal interview I conducted with Communications Studies professor Maria Simone was the most useful and important towards my research. She provided me with personal stories, anecdotes, and advice from when she was applying to graduate school. I also got to view the body language she used while she spoke giving me the full experience of how she felt during the difficulties and positive experiences of applying. Main reason why I chose to conduct this interview was to expand my knowledge about the application process as well as what graduate school entails. I learned an exponential amount that I did not know from the prior research I gathered. Yet again, since this was a personal interview there going to be some biases about the process because it’s based on personal experiences. However I easily overlooked those aspects and just understood that learning about a subject, in my case graduate school, would help me learn so much more about the process and that that information could help my research and ultimately others.